Many natural islands bordering the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-maintained navigation channel and extending into the backwater have eroded and are disappearing. Erosion from wave action and main channel flows reduces the wetland, resulting in the loss of aquatic vegetation and shallow protected habitats necessary for fish and wildlife to survive. The purpose of this project is to reestablish lost habit and ecosystem health.

Location

The Lower Pool 10 Islands are part of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) Program. The site is a 1,000-acre side channel and island complex located on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River navigation channel in Pool 10, about one mile upstream from Lock and Dam 10 in Guttenberg, Iowa. The site lies within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Description

The proposed project goals include protecting and restoring island complexes that would enhance quality habitat for native and desirable species by reducing suspended solid concentrations and reducing wind fetch. The selected plan includes construction of several new islands, shoreline protection of several existing islands, rock mounds and sills and habitat dredging.

Status

The feasibility report was approved in May 2022. Design is complete on Stage 1 with a construction contract anticipated to be awarded before the end of fiscal year 2024. Design of Stages 2 and 3 is nearing completion with construction contracts anticipated in 2026 and 2028 respectively, subject to appropriations.

Authority

Congress originally authorized the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) Program in Section 1103 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986, Pub L. No. 99-662 (codified as amended at 33 U.S.C. § 652). Section 8345 of WRDA 2022, Pub. L. No. 117-263, increased the authorized program funding to a combined $90 million annually.

The Corps will plan, design and construct the project as part of a cooperative effort with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Wisconsin and Iowa Departments of Natural Resources and local interests.

Funding

Project design and construction costs will be 100% federal because the project is located on lands managed as a national wildlife refuge. Operation and maintenance costs will be 100% federal, a responsibility of the USFWS.

Federal Funds Allocated to Date: $3,770,000

Anticipated Construction Cost: $39,500,000